How Can This Forum Improve?

[UntoHim]

Thanks for all the input, however, what I am really looking for is not commentary on the inner workings and past history of the Forum, but rather how it can be improved and even more "accommodating" for the participation of current LC members. There are plenty of threads already in place where we can take jabs at the teachings, practices and history of the movement, what I am looking for here is a way forward, for the future, vis-a-vis the encouragement of participation of current members. I never envisioned the Forum to be simply a gathering place for former members, although that is one of the main reasons, and I think the Forum has served that purpose well. I think it is high time that we fulfill the statement on the header banner "a community of former AND CURRENT members". I know this will take some "accommodating" by many of us oldies-but-goodies (translate: crusty, set-in-our-ways and jaded but well-meaning) And by accommodating I do NOT mean that we sacrifice the truth in any way, shape or form. That would be a great disservice to all concerned, and even to God Himself.

Originally Posted by OBW

Simply having areas designated for the posting of untouched "pro LRC" material seems to undermine the very purpose of the discussion — unless it is implicitly for the purpose of giving material for immediate discussion of the "current" issues.

I did want to quickly address this concern. I have no intention of allowing entire threads for the promotion of "pro LC" material. As noted, the LSM already has ample Internet sites for this. I would like to see some threads set up, and moderated in such a manner that would put current members on "equal footing". This may involve allowing current members to initiate and moderate such threads. The way that many of the Forum threads are set up, we are asking current members to jump right into a shark tank with absolutely no protection. After all, who in their right mind would do that? I have more to say regarding this but it will have to wait for later today.

[77150]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

Thanks for all the input, however, what I am really looking for is not commentary on the inner workings and past history of the Forum, but rather how it can be improved and even more "accommodating" for the participation of current LC members...

I think it would be more accommodating if it created a unique "unregistered" instead of a generic one. Or better yet if it required you to put in a name instead of assigning "unregistered" automatically. I expect many people find this site and might be interested in saying something even if they are not ready to go to the hassle of registering. These would most likely be those who are looking up the LC for reasons other than being a past member, perhaps a new member or a relative or friend of a new member.

[TLFisher]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

I would like to see some threads set up, and moderated in such a manner that would put current members on "equal footing". This may involve allowing current members to initiate and moderate such threads. The way that many of the Forum threads are set up, we are asking current members to jump right into a shark tank with absolutely no protection. After all, who in their right mind would do that? I have more to say regarding this but it will have to wait for later today.

I wouldn't want the forum used to parrot LSM publications, but rather current LC attendees to step up and speak according to their conscience and convictions (i.e. not relying on what "the brother's say").